I was diagnosed in mid-August 2007 with "very severe fatigue" I could not walk 100 meters. At the time, I was under a doctor's care after a heart attack. I was offered a biological test at once, and this showed that the disease was indeed present; without a doubt my oncologist confirmed "you are suffering from a multiple myeloma."

The day after, I knew everything about my bone marrow aspiration and my blood test. As early as September 1st, I was under chemo with VAD ie vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone, 96 hours in a row at a clinic in September, October and November.

Then, after having treatment to stimulate my bone marrow to collect stem cells again I returned again to collect them. I received Cytapheresis in early January 2008, and returned to clinic in mid-February for the famous self graft. I had bad luck, because after the procedure, I picked lots of germs and was in a semi coma that lasted about a week.

After four weeks in the hospital, finally some good news: "complete remission" and I was told to anticipate five years of calmness. The correct diagnosis, in my opinion, is the one that is made at once. The psychological impact did not strike me, as my beginning state of mind allowed me to foresee some bad news!

I was ready to be hit with something massive, and my reaction grew even stronger in the future. Today, the disease never leaves me and I have no choice but to accept it, my relatives are more worried than I am, they are on the lookout for my blood test and bone marrow results or my visits to my hematologist. I feel they don’t refuse me anything as if I were seriously sick, while I do not consider myself as being so; why you do that, let us do it, just rest,. ..

They want to help me as if I could not do anything anymore... and make the most of good times as if my days were numbered, I understand their concerns, they just want me to have a certain quality of life . As for health care professionals, I only see them in the context of the organization "MYMU," which I chair.

For my myeloma, one specialist is enough for me, I trust him and if I have questions, no problem, he answers with explanations that I do not have to take a dictionary to understand and for a second opinion if necessary, he takes it upon himself to contact a colleague who suits me. For the most part, he proceeds as I ask him, then I do not need to complicate my life with other doctors.

For new patients I would say one thing so they won’t be disappointed with the result: complete remission, fine, 2,3,4,5-year guaranteed, no! One cannot guarantee anything! I am the proof of that. You just live with the hope of a remission for as long as possible without forgetting that the opposite exists; it is very important to know a minimum about one’s illness to avoid being caught off guard.

Here is one reason to be part of a patient organization, because they are listening to your concerns on a daily basis, meetings with other patients are scheduled, there are information sessions for you and your family; your friends will keep you abreast of new treatments, potlucks and meetings with genuine specialists are available, learning and sharing knowledge about the disease strengthens you and makes the situation easier to accept.

Of course this is my opinion, but more and more patients join such organizations. Posters are presented to guide you or ask your doctor for some information. I will conclude by saying that you should in no way change your way of life, keep on making plans as if nothing had happened, listen to your body, it will decide what you can do. My vision now is to continue my journey with this disease without worrying about what will happen tomorrow, to go on with my hobbies and live with my plans. I live with hope, that's my personality!